Forgotten Fates

by S J Doran

  Something within the God realms had gone amiss, as was always the case when the Gods and Goddesses decided to mettle with the fates’ decree. She wandered the ether, incorporeal, spying and listening, working to lay the pieces of a puzzle into a picture she could make sense of.

  She could almost hear fate and destiny clash, and judging by the chaotic energy within the ether, whatever mayhem the gods had been up to would carry heavy consequence in its wake. The ether was thick with discord, confusion and messy lines. Whatever had been done had been accomplished out of the dictates of fate, no longer was the future set in stone, and none were pleased by this turn.

  Amara listened to the tumult of disembodied voices while cloaked in the veil which separated life from death, her consciousness floating aimlessly between the temporary and the eternal.

  She caught murmurs of prophecy, a shift in power so vast it would serve to enslave man, immortal and gods alike.

  Discomfort anchored her to the physical, forcing her to abandon her explorations and break the connection with the ether when her body’s protests grew too persistent to ignore any longer.

  Her legs cramped from kneeling, the muscles of her calves spasming. Her neck and back were stiff and aching, and her head throbbed as if possessing a pulse.

  “The Gods are fearful...”

  “If it is the ancient prophecy they speak of Sarratum sa, then perhaps we should all be fearful.”

  Oberith stepped closer, his hands coming up to offer her a towel. The out of place gesture gave her pause. “Perhaps, but I’d much rather be prepared than afraid.”

  Tentatively she reached for the cloth, growing aware of wet silk limiting her movements, the soaked fabric of her dark robes clinging heavily to her skin. Confusion deepened when she found her hands stained a deep crimson color. Her athame rested on her lap radiating with energy it had consumed, its sharp blade bathed in drops of ruby.

  Not my blood.

  The essence of death lingered, further pulling her back into consciousness.

  "What did I do?"

  Oberith’s arm came around her for support when her legs refused to hold her weight, and she had to force down a shiver of repulsion. Not because of her dominus, she simply couldn’t bear to be touched when weakened.

  “Accept my assistance until you gather your bearings Sarratum Sa. Remember that I would never place harm upon you.” Oberith kept his voice low and even, coaxing her into submission.

  Something shiny caught her attention as her unfocused gaze roamed over the onyx floors of the temple, snagging on the glistening pools of stagnant blood. It happened again…

  “Am I finally going mad, Berith?” She had no recollection of anyone attacking her, did not recall killing any of them...

  Dominus Oberith shifted to block her view of the hall, placing himself between her and the carnage.

  “Most died instantly, those who tried to attack you, however...” His gaze flicked to the athame she held loosely within her grasp, “did not.”

  Peeking over his shoulder she couldn’t help but flinch at large the number of bodies littering the temple hall. Warlocks, nobles, emissaries, she had spared none this time. Sightless eyes stared back at her, bodies laid over one another, some laying on their backs in pools of coagulating blood, some had died trying to crawl away, their hands forever reaching...

  “Tell me what occurred.” She said, her voice small. It had been the death of so many of her people that had admitted her into the gods-realm, the reason she had been adrift there for so long. How long had it been?

  The doors to the Temple hall swung open, Domina Ravanna and Dominus Malachi entering, followed by the rest of the Order.

  “Welcome back Sarratum sa, you were out for quite a while this time. We were beginning to fear we would have need of the tranquilizer darts.”

  Her skin was beginning to itch where the silk dried to the sticky blood.

  “Ravanna!” Elmira’s husky voice hissed up from behind the Domina.

  “What? It’s true.”

  Malachi stepped before her, “I would have personally voted against it Sarratum sa, I quite enjoyed the spectacle. And I must say I was rather pleased to see this lousy lot be sent to Hades.”

  Mara’s brows shot up when Oberith turned to look over his shoulder, giving Dominus Malachi a boastful grin, “I told you she would get them all, you owe me one of your pretty acolytes.”

  “You’ll make do with my ugliest one instead, you already stole away my favorite last week.” Malachi shot back.

  “Ah yes, such a charming creature. I shall be sure to give her your regards.”

  The drumming in her head grew more persistent at their foolery, “If you two are quite done! I am lost here, who is ‘them’ and how did so many people came to be inside the temple? Come to think on it, why are all of you even here?”

  All laughter stopped as nine sets of eyes came to stare at her in varying degrees of concern, but it was Domina Elmira who answered, her husky voice gentle. “Sarratum Sa, do you not recall the attending the hearing?”

  She blinked, trying to think back, finding only lapses of time, scenes that she could make neither rhyme or reason from. “Not entirely, I recall… nothing.”

  “The nobles of the realm requested an audience with you, do you recall that?” At her nod Elmira proceeded, appearing slightly relieved at her acknowledgement. “We all assembled here at your command, tasked to listen and advise during the proceeding. Tempers ran high when the nobles made a demand to have the ritual of blood cleansing reinstated as their right to practice.”

  Malachi’s voice had been a near growl when he spoke next. “They fear losing their power and control over the commoners when they cannot punish them with violence and death.”

  “Request denied.” Ravanna’s cheerful tone chimed in, her arms wide in gesture as she theatrically bowed towards the pile lifeless bodies littering the floor. “Now will someone please have this mess cleaned up, they are starting to stink.”

  “Come along Sarratum sa, the others will see things put back to right. While Bel- Agate gets you cleaned up, you can tell me what it is the Gods are doing that kept your interest for so long.” Elmira said, keeping Mara grounded and focused.

  At Domina Elmira’s gentle tug Mara moved to follow, nearly losing her footing as she tripped, her nose scrunching when catching sight of the culprit.

  “Why is there a severed hand on my floor?”

  The question hung in the air until Dominus Oberith let out a rather suspicious sounding cough. “As I recall, you cut it off and used it to slap its owner in the face.”

  “And why would I do that?” She exclaimed.

  “Because he tried to hit you with it.”

  Elmira’s tugging grew more persistent while throwing a monument worthy stink eye in Oberith’s direction.

  “Some of the nobles attacked when their appeal was rejected. You flew into a fit of rage, striking down all who were in attendance. Before we could pull you back, the amount of blood spilled had sent you into a trance. You remained trapped in that state nearly eight hours. We all took turns watching over you, ensuring your body would not be harmed while your mind was elsewhere.”

  “Eight hours? Wait, will there not be a backlash for my actions? Most of those who died by my hand… or their own hand as the case may be, they belonged to powerful families.”

  “And all those families will now find themselves charged with treason for the attempt made upon your life, we shall see to it Sarratum Sa. Now come along, I do not wish to make offense, but you are in dire need of a bath.” Elmira chided.

  Domina Elmira had not exaggerated Mara realized, for only when Agate emptied a third bucket of warm water over her head did it finally run clear rather than red with blood.

  “Highness, you are not going mad, you are merely losing grip over your powers. It is not unusual for your magick to grow volatile in response to mental distress, yours is more acute than most. And it is not at all surprising you ar
e experiencing distress considering the fact you are hardly sleeping anymore.” Elmira finally spoke to address Mara’s main concern.

  The indirect reprimand of her Domina had Mara glower in Agate’s direction. Her attendant had been speaking out of turn? Elmira had no business knowing about Mara’s private matters.

  “Don’t be looking at me that way Sarratum Sa, those dark circles under your eyes tell more tales than I ever will.” Agate said with a saucy smirk.

  Bested by both Domina and attendant Mara sank lower into the tub, grumbling on her way down.

  “Upon my request Bel- Agate has asked En-Rasputin for a sleep aid, and a poultice to help hide the signs of your fatigue. But you must try to rest, highness.”

  Closing her eyes, she tiredly leaned her head back against the rim of the oversized tub, greedily soaking up the soothing heat of the water, basking in the calming scent of herbs.

  “How do you expect me to sleep when they won’t be silent. The Gods grow more tumultuous with each passing day, yet they speak over each other, so I cannot understand. All I can make out is the occasional mention of the prophecy amidst the chaos. But it is clear that the Gods have done something, Elmira, and it has gone terribly wrong. I just haven’t been able to decipher what it is.”

  She could hear the soft tinkling sound of her Domina’s many silver bracelets and waist belts from behind the curtain as Elmira moved to make herself more comfortable upon the divan. The imposing fireplace in the room had been lit, keeping the air warm within the chambers, while bathing it in with soft light, which at times appeared to dance with the shadows.

  “You fear that their actions would involve the Demon King?” Elmira mused.

  “They speak about the prophecy, therefore you and I both know it must involve Cassius.” Mara’s voice sounded haunted, even to her own ears. “Something is happening, something bad. And he is there alone, surrounded by snakes he trusts too much… because he remembers too little.” He could not be allowed to remember more either, or he would be lost entirely.

  Moments passed between them before Elmira finally spoke again. “Forgive my directness Sarratum Sa, but you should not return to the Hells, the risk for you both is too great. Should he somehow come to remember who he is, he will be lost, and if he remembers who you are, Namtar will have gained claim on his life.”

  Water splashed onto the floor as she shot up from her bath. “Agate leave us NOW!”

  To her astonishment, her attendant hesitated, “Sarratum sa, I will leave if you wish it. But if it is to keep the Demon King’s identity secret... I know.” Agate spoke meekly, cringing back and bracing herself for the inevitable.

  Her magick snapped to attention, darkness coiling around her as an avalanche of emotions threatened to take hold.

  “What is it you think you know Agate…?” Her words hissed from between clenched teeth, the woman’s life pending upon the next few words she spoke.

  “Please Sarratum sa, I did not intend to pry. I know of his identity for the same reason that I know why you refuse to sleep. Ever since you returned from the Ghata’n kingdom your nightmares have been increasing. I know this to be true because when they come, you always cry out for him, and I have heard the name you call him by.”

  Even the warm water was unable to combat the icy chill of dread which spread through her at Agate’s confession. “Who else knows?”

  “No one except for General Dravite. I had no choice highness, but to confide in her. Once I realized the danger should someone overhear, I panicked. I did not trust anyone with this information not the guards, or even the Order. When I instructed my sis... General Dravite to withdraw her warriors from your chambers during the night hours, she refused.

  “It was only after I confessed what I had learned that she agreed, since then she and I have been standing guard over your chambers during those rare moments you sleep. Please believe me when I say that both Dravite and I would lay down our lives for you Sarratum sa, your secret remains safe.”

  “Agate go fetch your sister and bring her here. I will assist her highness until then.” Elmira wasted no time dismissing her attendant, placing herself between Amara and the fleeing form.

  “She will not betray your trust Sarratum Sa, do not harm her, for you will grow to regret it if you do. Loyalty is a trait not found in many, do not squander it by giving into fear.”

  She took a few precious moments to regain control over her temper. Had it not been for Elmira’s intervention, she would have killed Agate. Her need to keep her secret safe, to protect Cassius, overriding all other logic and emotions.

  “Thank you, Domina.” She stepped out of the tub, reaching for her robes, quickly covering herself before turning to face Elmira once more.

  “I received word that Asmodeus and King Cassius have entered a signed agreement, one that grants his sister unchallenged access into the Nessus.”

  Elmira’s expression of incredulity well matched her own, concern carving deep lines upon her Domina’s exotic features.

  “Dark Gods why would the king ever agree to such a thing?”

  “I doubt he was left much choice in the matter. Now you understand why I cannot abandon him Elmira. The snakes are coiling around him, ready to strike. Basileus and Glasya are plotting against him, and Levistus possesses ulterior motives which have nothing to do with Cassius’s well being.

  “His herald is a soldier, but inexperienced with Hell-politics and ignorant of the dangers that lay in wait. The demon is struggling to keep his throne and those truly loyal to him are but a few. So what am I to do?”

  “If he has none that will stand by his side, send him those who will stand by yours, Sarratum sa.”

  A knock on the door had them both turn, her gaze falling upon a flustered Agate, Dravite the General of her battalions standing beside her. Dravite and her warriors had been amongst the first to support Amara’s claim to the throne, they had been her sword when fighting to reclaim the realm, and the first to swear fealty to the newly their newly crowned Sarratum.

  “Step forward.”

  Dravite obeyed without hesitation, coming to a halt directly before Amara and dropped to a knee, her head bowed low.

  “I was the one who insisted Agate reveal her reasons, Sarratum sa. If you are to punish someone, please spare my sister and claim my head for the breach of trust this has caused.”

  Send those who are loyal to you...

  “Rise Dravite, neither you nor your sister will perish today. In fact, I owe you both a debt of gratitude.”

  She sensed relief flood through the general, but to her credit, she did nothing to show the emotion.

  “Truth be told, I am in a bind and require help. I find that I am in need of someone who I consider to be loyal beyond shadow of doubt. Someone who won’t easily fall prey to the corruption of the Hell realm and is strong enough to not be tempted by the games played within its highest ranks. So, it appears, General Dravite, that I have need of you.” She said, her insides churning with emotion.

  Her mind kept wandering back to Cassius, no matter how much she tried to stop. His pride had been injured, and he would likely be furious with her, she knew this.

  Even now she could feel his sigil burn angrily upon the palm of her hand, a constant reminder to her of his displeasure with her. He hated her for the choice she had made.

  If it means you will live demon, then I can bear being hated, even by you.

  A deep breath, and she forced the words from her lips. “Dravite, you will enter the Nessus and join Cassius’s harem. There you shall serve as my eyes and ears and you will notify me of any threat against the Demon King. But most importantly you will protect and guard him as you would me, keep him safe at all costs, am I understood?”

  The room had gone silent, even Elmira left too stunned to speak.

  “His harem! Are you sure about this Highness?” Dravite finally asked.

  “The Demon King has his pride. Should I send you under any other guise, he will either re
ject or kill you. Neither outcome is acceptable.”

  “I will not fail you, highness.”

  Failing to suppress the sorrow that threatened to pull her under Mara reached for her general, clearly surprising her when she pulled her close, then pressed a small wooden box into her hands, “give this to Cassius from me.”

  Her general’s lips parted on a gasp when she stared into Mara’s gaze. The gasp turned into a needy moan when Mara closed her lips over Dravite’s. In her kiss she placed everything she felt at that instant, longing, sorrow, grief, but also devotion, desire and deeply buried, where only few would find it, there was love. She burned every emotion into her general’s soul, ensuring that if Cassius bothered to look, he would find it there, her secret message to him.

  “You are my only link to him now Dravite, look after him for me.”

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

  in my defense, I thought it was real

  Cass set down his book and braced himself for whatever the two of them had ganged up to lecture him about. Neither had mentioned the incident in the hall, everyone was tip-toeing around his, yes— uncertain, temper.

  Fighting your own mind was exhausting. Worse when no one would give him straight answers. That pointed glare went to Levistus.

  “We’ve had word from Asurim.” Levistus said, stiffening as though he were expecting Cass to lash out.

  He barely managed to restrain himself.

  Mara had talked to them and not him? Had she fully forsaken him?

  He’d pushed too far. He’d always known that it wasn’t going to be like that between them. Had always respected those boundaries. Well, always known... that he could remember. That aching void in his chest said that at some point, it might have been otherwise.

  And she didn’t want him to remember either.

  “Cass, this is Dravite.” Jez said, smiling back at the warlock the two of them had been blocking from view. Jez’s hand lingered a little longer than it needed to on her shoulder as he brought her forward.

  Of course Cass noticed. Whether he cared was a different story.

  Fury was buzzing through his mind, eating up all his other, more rational-type thoughts. The warlock had Mara’s scent lingering all over her, she oozed pride and dark magicks. And fear. He could scent that too.